VICP Registry Case Source Bundle
Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01644
Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01644
Petitioner: Cynthia Ladew Quinn
Filed: 2019-04-30
Decided: 2019-05-29
Vaccine: influenza
Vaccination date: 2014-11-04
Condition: Guillain-Barré syndrome
Outcome: compensated
Award amount USD: 

AI-assisted case summary:
On October 31, 2017, Cynthia Quinn filed a petition seeking compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging she developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) as a result of receiving an influenza vaccine on November 4, 2014. Ms. Quinn passed away in late 2018, and her daughter, Julie Keen White, continued the claim on behalf of her mother's estate. The respondent, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, filed a Rule 4(c) Report acknowledging that the petitioner's claim was compensable as a Table injury. The respondent conceded that medical personnel reviewed the petition, accompanying documents, and relevant medical records, concluding that Ms. Quinn satisfied the criteria set forth in the Vaccine Injury Table. Specifically, the respondent agreed that the evidence showed Ms. Quinn suffered from GBS as a result of the flu vaccine and that the onset occurred within the appropriate timeframe. Based on the respondent's concession and a review of the record, Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found that Ms. Quinn was entitled to compensation for an injury that was caused-in-fact by a covered vaccine. A separate order for damages was to be issued. Petitioner was represented by Collie Britain Sledge, III, and respondent was represented by Sarah Duncan. The decision was signed by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran on May 29, 2019.

Theory of causation field:
Petitioner Cynthia Quinn alleged Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) resulting from an influenza vaccine administered on November 4, 2014. The respondent conceded that GBS is a Table injury and that the vaccine caused the injury, with onset within the appropriate timeframe. The respondent's Rule 4(c) Report confirmed that medical personnel reviewed the petition and records and concluded the criteria of the Vaccine Injury Table were met. Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found entitlement to compensation based on the respondent's concession and review of the record. A separate damages order was to be issued. Petitioner counsel was Collie Britain Sledge, III; respondent counsel was Sarah Duncan. Decision date: May 29, 2019.

Public staged source text:

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DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01644-0
Date issued/filed: 2019-05-29
Pages: 2
Docket text: PUBLIC RULING (Originally filed: 4/30/2019) regarding 28 Ruling on Entitlement Signed by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (mml) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:17-vv-01644-UNJ Document 30 Filed 05/29/19 Page 1 of 2
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 17-1644V
(Not to be Published)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
JULIE KEEN WHITE, *
on behalf of the estate of *
CYNTHIA LADEW QUINN, *
*
Petitioner, * Filed: April 30, 2019
*
v. *
* Entitlement; Influenza Vaccine;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Guillain-Barré Syndrome (“GBS”);
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Conceded.
*
Respondent. *
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Collie Britain Sledge, III, Rolling, Perrilloux & Sledge, Hammond, LA, for Petitioner.
Sarah Duncan, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
RULING FINDING ENTITLEMENT1
On October 31, 2017, Cynthia Quinn filed a petition seeking compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 Petitioner alleged that she suffered from
Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) as a result of receiving the influenza (“flu”) vaccination on
November 4, 2014. Am. Pet. at 1, filed Feb. 27, 2018 (ECF No. 10). After Petitioner passed away
in late 2018, her daughter, Julie Keen White, continued pursuing this claim on behalf of her
mother’s estate. See Order Granting Motion to Amend Pleadings, filed Mar. 29, 2019 (ECF
No. 26).
1 Although this Ruling has been formally designated “not to be published,” it will nevertheless be posted on the Court
of Federal Claims’s website in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 (2012). This means
the Ruling will be available to anyone with access to the internet. As provided by 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4)(B),
however, the parties may object to the Ruling’s inclusion of certain kinds of confidential information. Specifically,
under Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party has fourteen days within which to request redaction “of any information
furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is privileged or
confidential; or (2) that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, the Ruling in its present form will be available. Id.
2 The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program comprises Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act
of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755 (codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-10 through 34 (2012)).

Case 1:17-vv-01644-UNJ Document 30 Filed 05/29/19 Page 2 of 2
In his Rule 4(c) Report, Respondent acknowledged that the Petitioner’s claim is
compensable as a Table injury under the Act. See Respondent’s Second Supplemental Rule 4(c)
Report, filed Apr. 30, 2019 (ECF No. 27). Respondent specifically stated that medical personnel
at the Division of Injury Compensation Programs, Department of Health and Human Services,
have reviewed the petition and accompanying documents filed in this case, as well as the relevant
medical records, and Respondent has concluded that Petitioner satisfied the criteria set forth in the
Table. Id. at 6–7. Respondent concedes that the evidence shows that Petitioner suffered from GBS
as a result of the flu vaccine, and that onset occurred within the appropriate timeframe. Id.
Respondent therefore concludes that Petitioner is entitled to an award of damages. Id.
In view of Respondent’s concession, and based on my own review of the record (see
§ 300aa-13(a)(1); 42 C.F.R. § 100.3 (a)(I)), I find that Petitioner is entitled to compensation for an
injury that was caused-in-fact by a covered vaccine. 42 C.F.R. §§ 100.3(a)(XIV), 100.3(b)(2). A
separate damages order will be issued shortly.
Any questions may be directed to my law clerk, Madeline Lamo, at (202) 357-6391.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Special Master
2

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DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_17-vv-01644-1
Date issued/filed: 2019-08-29
Pages: 5
Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 7/23/2019) regarding 33 DECISION Proffer Signed by Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (mml) Service on parties made.
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Case 1:17-vv-01644-UNJ Document 37 Filed 08/29/19 Page 1 of 5
In the United States Court of Federal Claims
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
No. 17-1644V
(Not to be published)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Special Master Corcoran
JULIE KEEN WHITE, *
on behalf of the *
ESTATE OF CYNTHIA LADEW QUINN, *
*
Petitioner, * Filed: July 23, 2019
*
v. *
* Decision by Proffer; Damages;
SECRETARY OF HEALTH * Conceded; Guillain-Barré Syndrome;
AND HUMAN SERVICES, * Influenza Vaccine.
*
Respondent. *
*
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Collie Britain Sledge, III, Rolling, Perrilloux & Sledge, Hammond, LA, for Petitioner.
Sarah C. Duncan, U.S. Dep’t of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent.
DECISION AWARDING DAMAGES1
On October 31, 2017, Cynthia Quinn filed a petition seeking compensation under the
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 ECF No. 1. Ms. Quinn first alleged that she
developed Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) as a result of a trivalent influenza (“flu”) vaccine she
received on November 4, 2014. Id. at 1. Subsequently, she amended her claim to state that the flu
1 Although not formally designated for publication, this Decision will be posted on the United States Court of Federal
Claims website in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. § 3501 (2012). This means the Decision
will be available to anyone with access to the internet. As provided by 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-12(d)(4)(B), however,
the parties may object to the published Decision’s inclusion of certain kinds of confidential information. Specifically,
under Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party has fourteen days within which to request redaction “of any information
furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret or commercial or financial in substance and is privileged or
confidential; or (2) that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, the whole Decision will be available to the public
in its current form. Id.
2 The Vaccine Program comprises Part 2 of the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660,
100 Stat. 3758, codified as amended at 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-10 through 34 (2012) (“Vaccine Act” or “the Act”).
Individual section references hereafter will be to § 300aa of the Act (but will omit that statutory prefix).

Case 1:17-vv-01644-UNJ Document 37 Filed 08/29/19 Page 2 of 5
vaccine she had received was the quadrivalent flu vaccine, rather than trivalent. Am. Pet. at 1, filed
Feb. 27, 2018 (ECF No. 10). On December 14, 2018, Ms. Quinn passed away for reasons unrelated
to her GBS. Order at 1, filed Mar. 29, 2019 (ECF No. 26). Her daughter, Julie White, assumed the
role of Petitioner, and opted to continue pursuing the claim on behalf of her late mother’s estate.
See id.
On April 30, 2019, Respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report, in which he acknowledged that,
based on her claim of GBS following the flu vaccine, Petitioner has satisfied the requirements for
a Vaccine Injury Table claim and is entitled to compensation. Rule 4(c) Report at 7–8 (ECF No.
27). That same day, I issued a ruling finding entitlement (ECF No. 28) and an order directing the
parties to confer regarding an appropriate damages award (ECF No. 29).
Soon thereafter, Respondent filed a proffer proposing an award of compensation. Proffer,
filed July 22, 2019 (ECF No. 32). I have reviewed the file, and based upon that review, I conclude
that Respondent’s Proffer (as attached hereto) is reasonable. I therefore adopt it as my decision in
awarding damages on the terms set forth therein.
The Proffer proposes:
• A lump sum payment of $160,000.00, in the form of a check payable to Petitioner.
Proffer at 2. This amount represents compensation for all elements of compensation under Vaccine
Act Section 15(a) to which Petitioner is entitled.
I approve a Vaccine Program award in the requested amount set forth above to be made to
Petitioner. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the clerk of
the Court is directed to enter judgment herewith.3
IT IS SO ORDERED.
/s/ Brian H. Corcoran
Brian H. Corcoran
Special Master
3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), the parties may expedite entry of judgment by each filing (either jointly or separately)
a notice renouncing their right to seek review.
2

CCaassee 11::1177--vvvv--0011664444--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 3327 FFiilleedd 0078//2229//1199 PPaaggee 13 ooff 35
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS
OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS
)
JULIE KEEN WHITE, on behalf of The Estate )
of Cynthia Ladew Quinn, )
) No. 17-1644V
Petitioner, ) Special Master Corcoran
) ECF
v. )
)
SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN )
SERVICES, )
)
Respondent. )
)
RESPONDENT’S PROFFER ON AWARD OF COMPENSATION
On October 31, 2017, Cynthia Quinn filed a petition for compensation under the National
Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to -34 (“Vaccine Act” or “Act”),
as amended. Mrs. Quinn alleged that she suffered Guillain-Barré syndrome (“GBS”) as a result
of a trivalent influenza (“flu”) vaccine administered to her on November 4, 2014. Petition at 1.
On February 27, 2018, Mrs. Quinn filed an amended petition alleging that she suffered GBS as a
result of a quadrivalent flu vaccine administered on November 4, 2014. Am. Petition at 1. On
December 14, 2018, Mrs. Quinn passed away. Motion to Amend Petition, ECF No. 25. On
March 29, 2019, Julie Keen White (“petitioner”), Mrs. Quinn’s daughter, moved to amend the
petition to change the caption to name Ms. White as the petitioner on behalf of Mrs. Quinn’s
estate.1 Id. On April 30, 2019, the Secretary of Health and Human Services (“respondent”) filed
a Second Supplemental Rule 4(c) Report recommending that compensation be awarded, and the
1 Petitioner has not alleged that Mrs. Quinn’s death was related to her GBS. See Order, ECF No.
26 at 1 (filed Mar. 29, 2019).

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Special Master issued a Ruling on Entitlement finding petitioner entitled to compensation the
same day. ECF No. 27; ECF No. 28.
I. Items of Compensation
A. Pain and Suffering
Respondent proffers that Julie Keen White, on behalf of the estate of Cynthia Ladew
Quinn, should be awarded $160,000.00 in actual pain and suffering. See 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-
15(a)(4). Petitioner agrees.
II. Form of the Award
Petitioner is a competent adult. Evidence of guardianship is not required in this case.2
Respondent recommends that the compensation provided to Julie Keen White should be made
through a lump sum payment as described below and requests that the Special Master’s decision
and the Court’s judgment award the following: $160,000.00 for actual pain and suffering, in the
form of a check payable to petitioner, Julie Keen White.
III. Summary of Recommended Payments Following Judgment
Lump sum payable to petitioner, Julie Keen White: $ 160,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
JOSEPH H. HUNT
Assistant Attorney General
C. SALVATORE D’ALESSIO
Acting Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
CATHARINE E. REEVES
Deputy Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
2 Ms. White has provided documentation establishing that she is the independent administratrix
of Mrs. Quinn’s estate.
2

CCaassee 11::1177--vvvv--0011664444--UUNNJJ DDooccuummeenntt 3327 FFiilleedd 0078//2229//1199 PPaaggee 35 ooff 35
ALEXIS B. BABCOCK
Assistant Director
Torts Branch, Civil Division
s/ Sarah C. Duncan
Sarah C. Duncan
Trial Attorney
Torts Branch, Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice
P.O. Box 146
Benjamin Franklin Station
Washington, D.C. 20044-0146
Tel: (202) 514-9729
Fax: (202) 616-4310
Dated: July 22, 2019
3